Explore chaos through neuroscience, witchcraft, music and more at CongRegation 2025 in Cong, Mayo. 100 speakers, intimate talks and creative social events.
The 13th annual CongRegation unconference returns to the Mayo village of Cong from November 28 to 30, bringing together an eclectic mix of speakers and attendees under the theme of “Chaos.”
The event opens with a “Night of Chaos” at Ashford Castle, featuring talks that span neuroscience, witchcraft, music and mathematics.
“CongRegation is a unique mindmesh where curious minds can explore and discuss topics while the social events help build closer relationships”
William O’Connor, Foundation Professor and Director of Teaching and Research in Physiology at the University of Limerick School of Medicine, will deliver a keynote titled Make Your Life Count: Choose Chaos. Billie “Bee” Bryan, a Caymanian-born artist and chaos magick practitioner, will explore how witchcraft can be used to impose structure on disorder. Shane Wearen, musician and founding member of the band The Pale, will demonstrate how chaotic sounds can evolve into music, drawing on personal experiences from touring.
This is not a conference
The core of the weekend is the unconference on Saturday, November 29, where 100 speakers will present their submissions in small group discussions across multiple venues in Cong Village. The format is designed to encourage intimate dialogue and equal participation, regardless of professional background.
Following the presentations, attendees will gather at Ryan’s Hotel for themed workshops before dinner. The evening programme includes a pub sketch crawl led by artist Zanya Dahl and chaos-themed board games. An OpenMic session will close the night, featuring poetry, music and storytelling.
The final event on Sunday is a reflective “Chaos to Order” walk through Cong Woods.
Participation in CongRegation is contingent on submitting a written reflection on the theme of chaos, which is published on the event’s website. Submissions are accepted until November 26 and form part of a growing archive of insights spanning 13 years.
“CongRegation is a unique mindmesh where curious minds can explore and discuss topics while the social events help build closer relationships,” said organiser Eoin Kennedy. “As each person has earned their ticket based on their insights, there is no hierarchy. Students, retirees and senior business people share equally. The event is also designed to make it easier for quieter voices to participate, with each person deciding how, where and when they talk about their submission.”
The event is supported by Mayo.ie, MKC Communications, Blacknight Solutions, IRDG Innovation Skillnet, ICBE Advanced Productivity Skillnet, Informed Decisions, Grow Remote and Creme Global.
Top image: CongRegation founder Eoin Kennedy
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